Thank you for visiting my site. I'm a storyteller. In person, on film, or in book form, I listen to people's stories, and relate them to others. I research the stories of my people, and bring the relevance of their wisdom into our modern world.

To see what people have said about my stories, here are some excerpts:"Do Mhargadh Déanta, a documentary about the now-dead tradition of arranging marriages...."A joyous new series, Bibeanna Mheiriceá......built around entertainingly irreverent conversations with women....exhilarating, nostalgic, sometimes moving viewing" (Hilary Fannin, Irish Times.)

"In another generation people won't believe this took place deep into the 20th century. The practise is already gone; the living proof will be too. This documentary will at least act as a fine oral history." (Shane Hegarty, Irish Times.")

Full reviews can be found under Books on this site.I hope you look at some of my work, and that you enjoy it. If you have any stories you would like me to tell on your behalf, or that you would just like to share with me, please contact me.

Muiris Ó Fiannachta and Jaws of Ventry. John Holstead, who loves family, fishing, and sculpting: see his wonderful Egg of Ventry.And Harris Moorewho owns the only woolly mammoth in Ireland- and much besides. Dave O"Shea has great memories of his youth, and enjoys his life in the US - he still has the suitcase he came with (it was almost empty, but now he lives in a lovely New England house, and he has memories of mad donkeys, sea rescues, clipping a poor woman's whole garden of flowers.....

Ventry is emptying. Generations have been lost to emigration, the men of Ventry have scattered, and are still scattering all over the globe. But in recent times there has been a new and welcome phenomenon: people are moving in to Ventry. People of talent and skill, people of competence, humour and culture. The Men of Ventry television programme gives us a brief glance at some of those who have gone and at some of those who have come.

Bibeanna: A series on the domestic stories of the women of West Kerry, made in 2007, with accompanying book, Bibeanna, Memories from a Corner of Ireland. Something of a cult.

Do Mhargadh Déanta: Matchmaking, it surprises people to hear, was the common model of marriage in many Kerry communities up to the middle of the last century. This unique film captures the experiences of six couples in the Dingle area whose marriages were arranged - and successful.

Aneas

Published by Futa Fata and in the shops. It has been described as "a jewel" and "a breath of fresh air, actually". A bilingual book, bringing the wisdom of Irish folklore to a new, broad audience. Look out for the launch - coming soon!

Bibeanna: Bibeanna, Memories from a Corner of Ireland, published by Mercier Press, and widely acclaimed, is now out of print. A new edition is being considered. Watch this space.

Corca Dhuibhne: A collection of the inspired Corca Dhuibhne artist, Liam O'Neill, with text assembled and selected by me. The selections are drawn from material by writers from Corca Dhuibhne, or from well-known, sometimes unexpected prominent authors (like Brendan Behan) who wrote about the peninsula.

Two Birthdays

Still in preparation, a book like Bibeanna: Memories from a Corner of
Ireland. Two Birthdays tells the stories of women who left Ireland for
the United States in the middle of the last century. Leaving Ireland
with minimal education, poor or no English language skills, and no
familiarity with urban life, these women have managed enormous changes
with composure and dignity. They made a success of a new life, and while
remaining fundamentally Irish, they are fiercely proud citizens of the
United States. Their experience both breflects and differs somewhat from
that of emigrants from many countries. And I apologise to my wonderful women for the inordinate length of time their book is taking! Next on the agenda, I promise.

I am always delighted with suggestions and ideas for new projects.

I am also always delighted to have requests for addresses, after dinner speeches, or other presentations on the history and folklore of Ireland, and very specially of the Dingle area.

Brenda Ní Shúilleabháin

was born in Ventry, and still lives there for a great part of the year.
She writes and speaks on the oral histories of men and women, on art, on literature, on travel and on education. She excelled at writing and debating from an early age, again an obvious characteristic of her ongoing work, which is engaging, humourous and highly individual.